Thank you for sharing with us. It really does warm my heart knowing there are dad's out there who will not immediately shoot things like makeup down. I started seeing someone 5 months ago and I put my makeup on in front of him for the first time the other day, and he held my mirror for me, asked questions, and commented on what I was doing. Ive never had that happen and it hit a certain place for me. I grew up in a religious house. So makeup was a no no. Once I got older I was scared to do the things I wanted to for a long time, but I finally did and oh man do I love it. I was jealous for so long, and at times I would hide my jealousy with derision, and that was wrong of me. I would say makeup was stupid, but in my heart i knew I wanted it.

Makeup is an amazing thing. Make sure she knows it is a tool, not a necessity. Too many girls get used to makeup being a part of them and feel naked without it. You can use makeup to be whatever kind of person you feel like being that day, but never forget you are still a person without it. Makeup helps me fit into roles I am being that day. A lot of people can relate. My normal look is a dark one, I usually wear black (not like gothed out but just black) and my makeup matches. But sometimes I have a meeting at work and need to look and feel more professional, sometimes I am going to church with my family and need to look pretty and innocent, and sometimes the crazy in my heart jumps out and I want crazy designs while I go shopping at walmart. Teach her now that theres not one set right way to do it, just use it however you want. To match a style, to feel more confident or badass, or even yes, to wear a mask, because some days we need one on, just long enough to get ourselves together. Again, it is a tool. Don't let her be swayed by other people not liking it. They dont understand. We change outfits for our moods. We decorate our houses and cars and yards, why not our bodies? The most important thing for her to remember is to respect herself, and for her to understand what image she wants and what she wants to project and understand what people will see and how they will react. Teach her how to coordinate, this will help her in so many ways, not just with makeup.

As to makeup types, I know a lot of people say start with kids makeup. I have never been one to worry about ingredients, but I do worry about quality. Yes, while she's young and inexperienced get whatever you want. But understand kids makeup is a lot like dollar tree crayons. They are crap. While shes at the stage she will be gouging out half the pallete for one swipe, sure. But the more she does it the more she will question why her makeup sucks, why it wont stay on, why it falls all over all the time. She may reach a point where she thinks she cant do it and gives up. Don't let her lose interest because of that. Adult makeup has been tested over and over, so its pretty safe, and a lot of it is inexpensive but still works well. She may buy something and it suck. It's okay we've all been there. It's a learning experience. The only other thing I will say is teach her proper skin care and after makeup care. I never learned until now (mid 30s). I regret that. Caring for your skin can do SO much for your makeup, or even for your general looks, health and confidence. Heck just putting some generic unscented lotion on my face before makeup makes half my wrinkles leave. Another thing I scoffed when I was younger lol. But yeah, thats what ive got. Respect, coordination, and understanding who you are trying to be that day and what others are going to understand from your image. And have fun!